UMass alumni fundraising falls short

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - The University of Massachusetts fell short of its 2012 alumni fundraising goals by more than $6 million, leading university officials to renew their call to ramp up fundraising efforts.

UMass officials had hoped to raise $100.2 million in fiscal year 2012, but instead brought in approximately $94 million.

University officials are refocusing efforts to collect from smaller, first-time donors - even encouraging students to give before they graduate so they get in the habit of donating to their alma mater.